Nigeria has recorded a significant development in its maritime sector after the United States Coast Guard removed the country from its Port Security Advisory, ending 12 years of additional security requirements imposed on vessels arriving in the United States after calling at Nigerian ports.
The decision, which takes effect on August 19, 2026, formally removes Nigeria from the list of countries whose vessels are subject to additional Conditions of Entry when travelling to U.S. waters. The restrictions had been in place since June 25, 2014.
For a long time, ships that had called at designated Nigerian ports during their previous five port visits faced additional security measures when entering the United States. These requirements included increased scrutiny, documentation, inspections and other procedures that could contribute to delays and additional costs for shipping operators.
The removal comes after a series of assessments conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard over the past two years. The assessments, carried out in March and April 2024, March 2025 and April 2026, reportedly found significant improvements in Nigeria’s implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, commonly known as the ISPS Code.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola described the development as an important milestone for Nigeria’s maritime industry. The lifting of the additional measures is expected to reduce some of the security-related burdens previously associated with vessels operating from Nigerian ports, including additional inspections, paperwork, delays and costs.
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The development could also strengthen the competitiveness of Nigerian ports. For years, the extra requirements attached to Nigerian port calls created additional operational and financial considerations for international shipping companies. Removing those requirements could make Nigerian ports more attractive to operators handling cargo destined for the United States.
Beyond the immediate benefits to shipping companies, the decision is also a recognition of progress in Nigeria’s maritime security standards. It suggests that measures implemented by Nigerian maritime and security agencies have improved the country’s compliance with international port-security requirements.
The country faces strong competition from other West African ports, making security, efficiency, cost and reliability increasingly important factors in determining where shipping companies choose to operate.
However, maintaining the progress that led to the decision will require continued enforcement of international security standards, effective monitoring of ports and sustained cooperation between Nigerian agencies and international maritime authorities.
After 12 years of additional scrutiny, Nigeria’s removal from the U.S. Port Security Advisory provides the country’s maritime sector with an opportunity to build on the progress and demonstrate that its ports can meet the security and efficiency standards expected by the global shipping industry.
